Karunanidhi insists on ‘genocide’ in resolution

“If this is not genocide, what else is?” This was the curt response of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi to a question posed by The Hindu in an exclusive interview whether his party would be agreeable to the use of any term other than the word, ‘genocide,’ in the text of resolution on the issue of Sri Lanka’s human rights record which could be brought before Parliament.

Even if lakhs of people had not died and, for argument’s sake, only thousands of people had perished, would this not amount to genocide, Mr. Karunanidhi shot back.

The DMK president, who looked relaxed at his party headquarters, on Tuesday evening in the company of party leaders M.K. Stalin, Durai Murugan and K.S. Radhakrishnan after an eventful day, was firm that in the resolution to be adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council, it had to be acknowledged that genocide and war crimes had taken place. The resolution should also provide for an impartial international monitoring mechanism in place, he said, responding to a question on his party’s position in view of reports that instead of the term, “international monitoring mechanism” the words “internal mechanism” would be used.

Asked whether India should boycott the proposed Commonwealth summit in Colombo later this year, Mr. Karunanidhi replied that it was for the nation to decide.

To another question whether his party was ready to face early elections to the Lok Sabha, he said his party was in a state of preparedness to face the polls, be it to Parliament or the Assembly, whenever they were held.

On the scope for alliance with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, he had nothing to comment at this juncture.

About the likely participation of Sri Lankan cricket players in the IPL tournament, he indicated that he was not averse to such exchange of players. He pointed out that he had already expressed his disapproval of attacks on Sri Lankan monks.